NHL ROUNDUP : Lemieux Has His Way in 3-1 Victory

Mario Lemieux wants opposing teams to leave him alone. The New Jersey Devils complied.

Lemieux shrugged off a fine and warning from the NHL to score two goals with an assist Wednesday, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-1 victory over the Devils at Pittsburgh.

Earlier Wednesday, Lemieux was fined $500 and warned for his outburst against referee Kerry Fraser in Monday’s game against Tampa Bay. The incident earned him 22 penalty minutes, including the third game misconduct of his career.

Devil Coach Jacques Lemaire traced the defeat to his team’s willingness to meet Lemieux’s hands-off policy. Lemieux was alone for one-on-one confrontations with goalie Martin Brodeur and won both.

“You can’t leave him alone with the puck,” Lemaire said. “He knows what to do with it. He has great hands. Two things can happen: Either the goalie makes a great save or it’s in the net.”

Ottawa 6, Washington 5--Rookie center Alexei Yashin had a goal and three assists as the Senators came from behind to stall the Capitals’ playoff drive at Ottawa.

Tampa Bay 3, Montreal 1--Jason Ruff and John Tucker scored in the second period at Montreal as the Lightning, eliminated from the playoffs, ended the Canadiens’ 13-game home unbeaten streak.

Hartford 3, New York Islanders 3--Geoff Sanderson scored his second goal of the night and 99th of his career midway through the third period at Hartford to help the Whalers get a tie.

Edmonton 4, Winnipeg 3--Scott Pearson scored with 21 seconds remaining at Winnipeg to lift the Oilers to their fourth victory in their last five games.

Nelson Emerson had two Winnipeg goals during an 18-second span in the first period.